compressor vs. levelling amp

[notCardio]

Under what circumstances would you want to use a levelling amp instead of a compressor, and vice versa?

 

[cominginsecond]

I don't think there's much of a difference between the two, myself.

 

[MetroCenter]

My understanding is that a leveling amp is a compressor with a particularly firm (high) ratio.

 

[aaronmcoleman]

Leveling amps are usually more subtle but won't allow the sound above a certain level. Compressors are usually more for taming peaks or an effect. This is all in usage. In reality a leaving amp is a high ratio compressor. Comps usually for mixing leveling for bus of master. But that's just my take on it.